The Path

There weren’t always dragons in the valley. Dragons were stories that caused fear to humans and fae alike. Before the Valley of Nocti became semi-arid and lethal, the valley was graciously green and fertile. A prosperous town nestled between voluptuous hills and stretched far enough to home a once growing Elven tribe. For twenty Years, no one was aware of the faction this tribe belonged to, but they were particularly docile. The town was called Hillgarde, and they were known for the Garde flower which solely grew in the Valley of Nocti. Its properties were said to heal all ailments with haste. It is said that the Garde flowers were the remnants of dragons of the past.

A mysterious poison rippled through the valley and destroyed the lives of Hillgarde. Fifty years has passed since the event and still no one ever set foot into the town or its surrounding area. No one dared to pick the Garde flower again. No one until Primrose.

“Leif! Please make sure you have packed the essentials!” Primrose yelled as loud as she could so that her companion could hear her. Leif was born a forest elf and he was still very young. He looked to be a 16 year old in human years but he has lived for 46. He was a student of the Healer’s Path.

Leif walked to the entrance of Primrose’s hut and opened the door to exit. “I have everything we need. Will we make it back home in time, Prim?”

Prim stuffed her long brown braided hair into her hood before completely putting it over her head. Leif was right, she thought. A disease was infecting the healer’s village. Each healer was destined to be sent to an individual kingdom to protect a king and their children. A designated healer represented peace so that all kingdoms would have an equal ability to protect their royal families but a healer cannot extend a person's life to immortality. If the healers are killed by this sickness, war could break because of unequal power.

Prim only thought about what she could control. The travel to the country of Nocti wasn’t very far. But the stories of famine, poison and scaled monsters did shake her. “All we can do is move forward. The Garde Flower will help us maintain a balance.” Prim said as she grabbed her bag tightly and headed out the door behind Leif.

Nocti

The sun was no longer in sight and the darkness was illuminated by the moon. Primrose and Leif journeyed into Nocti by crossing a bridge past a small town. They were told the Valley of Nocti was to be avoided. The instant she stepped into her neighboring country she felt and smelled a menacing energy in the air. Her fellow humans in the town they left behind looked malnourished and tired. How long has this been going on and is this connected to what was happening in her village. The directions she recieved must have been off. It read that the valley was surrounded by green hills and a village sat deep into the center. Her map and instructions were dated because the grass was barely there, there were no houses in sight and the opening of what looked like a valley had ground that was as black as ash.

Leif removed his grey hood, revealing his light brown hair, pointed ears and green eyes.“I don’t want you to be endangered, I can go in for you.” Prim immediately took his arm to protest.

“I know what it looks like. Let me go inside and if there’s any sign of trouble I’ll run as fast as I can. Besides, you may be strong, but I have training.” Prim knows how important Leif is, especially to her people. Forest elves have always inter married with humans to create Healers. It was a discovery that happened accidently over 200 years ago.

“Fine. But if I don’t see you for a very long time or if there is any sign of distress, I will come after you.” Prim responded with a smile. She dropped the extra baggage except for her leather shoulder bag. Then she removed her grey cloak, revealing her fully grey colored healer’s uniform. Her black obsidian piercing in the middle of her forehead reflected the moon's light and shined. She was ready. She ran past the entrance of the valley and heard the words of Leif behind her.

“Let the Guardians of the Green goddess protect you!”

She whispered the rest of the healer’s mantra. “Let me feel their light.”